How to Check a Business Registration

Learn how to find out if a company is a registered business.

All businesses are required to register through their secretary of state, also known as the Department of State office building. Secretary of state offices keep business registration records that are available to the general public. State and federal government agencies provide various resources in person and on the Internet to prove that a business is legitimate and provides annual documentation requirements.

Instructions

1. Access the secretary of state website. Search for the governmental agency in the state which the company practices. These informative websites usually maintain an online list of business registration. A search option is also provided.

2. Request copies of the company's articles of incorporation through the secretary of state. Some states also offer certificates of good standing, which proves the company is in legal compliance. Copies of the registration documents are usually free.

3. Search the Securities and Exchange Commission to determine whether a company is incorporated. However, not every company or corporation is required to file articles of incorporation with them. Access the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov.

4. Check the business status. Once you find the company. An "active status indicates the business completes annual registration reports. A "dissolved" or "inactive" status means the business fails to maintain its annual registration reports. It also may mean that the company is out of business or illegally representing itself as a legal corporation.

References

• National Association of Secretary of States: Contact rosters
• Business Gov: Business Name Registration
• Securities and Exchange Commission: Corporate Reports, How to Get